Americans have a deep affection for large, V8-powered cars with rear-wheel drive, even if they can’t afford them. Surprisingly, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Dodge Charger Hemi have once again topped the list of the most-stolen vehicles in America, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI).
Extensive Theft Claims
According to HLDI’s findings, theft claims for the Charger SRT Hellcat were more than 60 times higher than the average for all 2020-22 models, considering the total number of these cars on the road. Similarly, theft claims for the Charger HEMI were over 20 times higher than average.
Two Perspectives on Car Theft
Two organizations present varying perspectives on car theft in America as a result of their different methodologies. The National Insurance Crime Bureau focuses on raw numbers, revealing that the most commonly stolen cars are those in high demand for their parts.
On the other hand, the HLDI examines the relative risk of theft for each car. As an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the HLDI compiles its data from claims reports provided by a consortium of insurance companies.
The Charger and Its Challenger Cousin: A Target for Thieves
According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), the Charger and its 2-door cousin, the Challenger, have consistently ranked among the top five most-stolen cars since 2011. However, what’s alarming is that the frequency of theft claims has been increasing at an astonishing rate. The HLDI discovered that for 2020-22 Charger SRT Hellcat models, there were 25 whole-vehicle theft claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years, which is a significant increase from the 18 claims reported for the 2019-21 models. To provide some perspective, the Infiniti Q60, the most-stolen model between 2017 and 2019, had only two thefts per 1,000 insured vehicle years.
The Rise of a Viral Trend and Its Impact on Kia
This year, the HLDI observed a disturbing trend involving certain older Hyundai and Kia vehicles that lack a common anti-theft device. This viral trend targeting these specific models has contributed to four Kia models making their way into the top 20 most-stolen cars of the year.
Electric Vehicles: A Thief’s Nightmare
Interestingly, thieves tend to steer clear of electric vehicles (EVs). The HLDI reports that six out of the 20 models with the lowest number of theft claims are electric vehicles. One possible reason for this could be that EVs are frequently parked overnight in well-lit and secure areas designated for charging.
In conclusion, while the Charger and its Challenger cousin have become prime targets for car thieves over the years, it is encouraging to see electric vehicles gaining popularity as a less vulnerable option. Let’s continue to prioritize security measures to protect our automobiles.
Originally published on KBB.com